Breakdown of Wang Yi's Speech on China's Diplomacy in 2023 & Priorities for 2024
Hi folks,
I hope this finds you well. Earlier today, Wang Yi delivered a speech at the symposium on the international situation and China’s foreign relations in 2023. I am doing a detailed breakdown of his remarks. From my perspective, one really striking thing about his comments was the absolute lack of mention of India. But there’s a lot to chew on in this. So here goes:
Wang pointed out six highlights of China’s diplomacy in 2023. These are:
First, head-of-state diplomacy has been immensely successful, achieving new milestones in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. In this, he said that “President Xi Jinping personally planned and presided over two major diplomatic events, attended three multilateral summits, conducted four significant state visits, and held over 100 meetings and conversations…” 纵观2023年，习近平主席亲自擘画、亲力亲为，主持两大主场外交，出席三场多边峰会，开展四次重要出访，举行百余场会见、通话，以大党大国领袖的襟怀气度同各方共话友好合作、共商天下大计.
Second, solid progress has been made in building a community with a shared future for mankind, lending new impetus to efforts to build a brighter future for humanity. In this, he talks about China and Vietnam agreeing to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance; over the past year, the construction of a community with a shared future has made great strides. Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have joined the ranks of building a community with a shared future, achieving full coverage in Central Asia. A new five-year action plan for building a community with a shared future with Cambodia and Laos has been established. Following Thailand and Indonesia, we have reached a consensus with Malaysia to build a community with a shared future. The construction of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future is moving forward steadily. During Xi’s visit to South Africa, the two sides agreed to build a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future. China-Africa relations have entered a new stage of jointly building a high-level community with a shared future. The construction of regional communities with a shared future between China and Arab countries, China and Latin America, and China and Pacific Island countries has also shown a new look. 一年来，命运共同体建设大踏步前进。土库曼斯坦、吉尔吉斯斯坦、塔吉克斯坦加入构建命运共同体的行列，实现中亚地区全覆盖。我们同柬埔寨、老挝打造命运共同体新一轮五年行动计划，继泰国、印度尼西亚之后，又同马来西亚达成共建命运共同体共识，更为紧密的中国—东盟命运共同体建设蹄疾步稳，一路向前。习近平主席访问南非时，同拉马福萨总统宣布携手构建高水平中南命运共同体，中非关系进入共筑高水平命运共同体新阶段。中阿、中拉、中国—太平洋岛国等区域性命运共同体建设也展现出新气象. The concept of community with a shared future “has been included in the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly for seven consecutive years, and has continuously expanded to various regions and fields, becoming a glorious banner leading the advancement of the times.” 构建人类命运共同体已从理念主张发展为科学体系，从中国倡议扩大为国际共识，从美好愿景转化为丰富实践，连续七年写入联大决议，不断拓展延伸到各个地区、各个领域，成为引领时代前进的光辉旗帜.
Third, the hosting of the BRI Forum. The forum yielded 458 important outcomes and cooperation agreements worth $97.2 billion. 151个国家、41个国际组织、上万名代表怀着对友谊、合作、发展的期待而来，带着458项重要成果清单、972亿美元合作协议满意而归.
Fourth, the BRICS mechanism achieved a historic expansion, adding new strength to unity and cooperation in the developing world. “This expansion has created a milestone in the development of the BRICS mechanism and opened a new era for the ‘Global South’ to unite and strengthen itself. The enlarged BRICS+ grouping will surely more effectively promote the development of the global governance system in a fair and just direction, and will more effectively enhance the representation and voice of the ‘Global South’ in international affairs.” 此次扩员缔造了金砖机制发展的里程碑，开启了“全球南方”联合自强的新纪元。扩员后的“大金砖”必将更有力推动全球治理体系朝着公正合理方向发展，必将更有力提升“全球南方”在国际事务中的代表性和发言权.
Fifth, the hosting of the China-Central Asia Summit.
Sixth, China facilitated the historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, setting a new example of political settlement of hotspot issues. “President Xi Jinping engaged in deep communication with leaders of Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitating the historic reconciliation between the two nations, transcending past grievances and moving towards mutual understanding. With strong support from China, the three parties reached the ‘Beijing Agreement’, leading to Saudi Arabia announcing the resumption of diplomatic relations with Iran, sparking a ‘wave of reconciliation’ in the Middle East. We are happy to see that Syria has returned to the Arab League family, Qatar and Bahrain, the UAE, Syria and Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Sudan, and Turkey and Egypt have resumed diplomatic relations or normalised relations one after another. The fate of the Middle East is returning to the hands of the people of all countries in the region. The reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a significant victory for dialogue and peace, demonstrating the beneficial practices of China's distinctive approach to resolving hotspot issues. China has always been an active, well-intentioned and reliable mediator, eschewing reliance on force, avoiding geopolitical interests, and refraining from imposing solutions. China has always supported the people of the Middle East in independently exploring development paths and supported Middle Eastern countries in resolving differences through dialogue and consultation. What I want to emphasise is that China will continue to be a promoter of security and stability in the Middle East, a collaborator when it comes to development and prosperity, and a supporter of solidarity and self-reliance, and will make more contributions to regional reconciliation, peace, and harmony.” 习近平主席与沙特、伊朗领导人深度沟通，促成沙特和伊朗跨越恩怨、相向而行。在中方大力支持下，三方达成《北京协议》，沙伊宣布恢复外交关系，进而在中东地区掀起“和解潮”。我们高兴地看到，叙利亚重返阿盟大家庭，卡塔尔与巴林、阿联酋，叙利亚与突尼斯、沙特，伊朗与苏丹，土耳其与埃及等纷纷复交或实现关系正常化，中东的命运正在重回地区各国人民的手中。沙伊和解是对话与和平的重大胜利，也是中国特色热点问题解决之道的有益实践。中国始终是积极、善意、可靠的斡旋者，从不迷信武力，从不寻求地缘私利，从不搞强加于人，始终支持中东人民独立自主探索发展道路，支持中东国家通过对话协商化解分歧。我想强调的是，中国将继续做中东安全稳定的促进者、发展繁荣的合作者、团结自强的支持者，为地区和解、和平、和谐作出更多贡献.
He then said that these six achievements demonstrate the “distinctive Chinese characteristics, Chinese style and Chinese grandeur/demeanour and demonstrate China’s increasing international influence, innovative leadership and moral appeal in the new era.” 这六大亮点，留下了中国外交一个个精彩瞬间，谱写了同世界合作共赢的崭新篇章，体现了鲜明的中国特色、中国风格、中国气派，彰显出新时代中国日益提升的国际影响力、创新引领力、道义感召力.
Then Wang talks about how China’s diplomacy throughout the year has “stood on the right side of history”. In this context, Wang made six points:
First, between cooperation and confrontation, we firmly choose cooperation. The relationship between major powers affects the stability of the world structure. China has always believed that it is necessary for major countries to have a broad mind and shoulder great responsibilities. To this end, China always seeks to foster positive contributions and build common ground, unequivocally opposes competition and confrontation between major countries and works to promote positive interactions between major countries. 第一，在合作与对抗之间，我们坚定地选择合作。大国关系牵动世界格局稳定，中方始终认为，大要有大的胸怀，大要有大的担当。为此，中方永远做加法、求正和，旗帜鲜明反对大国竞争对抗，持之以恒促进大国良性互动.
In this, he then talked about specific ties:
“We continue to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Russia, contributing to the development and revitalization of both countries, supporting the world's move towards multipolarity, and promoting the democratisation of international relations.” 我们持续深化中俄全面战略协作，助力各自国家发展振兴，支持世界走向多极化，推动国际关系实现民主化.
In the past year, President Xi Jinping has had in-depth dialogues with the leaders of France, Germany and other European countries along with EU institutions. High-level dialogues in strategic, economic, trade, green, and digital fields have achieved fruitful outcomes. China-EU ties are not targeted at, dependent on, or constrained by any third party. If China and Europe join hands, there will be no camp confrontation and no ‘new Cold War’. 过去一年，习近平主席同法国、德国等欧洲多国及欧盟机构领导人多次深入沟通，战略、经贸、绿色、数字领域高层对话取得丰硕成果。中欧关系不针对、不依附、也不受制于第三方，中欧携起手来，阵营对抗就搞不起来，“新冷战”就打不起来.
China-Australia relations have returned to the right track, with both countries resetting their comprehensive strategic partnership, embarking on a virtuous cycle of healthy and stable development. 中澳关系重回正轨，两国全面战略伙伴关系重整行装再出发，呈现健康、稳定发展的良性循环.
The leaders of China and Japan confirmed that they will comprehensively advance the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship and are willing to properly handle existing problems and build a constructive and stable Sino-Japanese relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. 中日两国领导人确认全面推进战略互惠关系，愿意妥处存在的问题，构建契合新时代要求的建设性、稳定的中日关系.
How China and the US get along is related to the future of mankind and the future of the planet. China-US. relations encountered serious difficulties at the beginning of the year. China clearly expressed its solemn position, demanding that the US change its misunderstanding of China and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy. After strenuous efforts, the two sides have restructured communication and dialogue, stemming the decline and stabilising bilateral ties. Last November, President Xi Jinping was invited to hold a historic meeting with President Biden in San Francisco. The two sides exchanged candid and in-depth views on strategic, overall and directional issues related to China-US relations. President Xi Jinping pointed out profoundly that it is not feasible for China and the US to not deal with each other; attempting to change each other is unrealistic; and the consequences of conflict and confrontation are unbearable for both sides. The correct approach is mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. President Biden reiterated the five-point commitment made during the Bali summit, emphasising that the US is happy to see China develop and prosper, does not seek to suppress and contain China's development, does not seek to decouple from China, and does not support ‘Taiwan independence’. The two sides reached consensus on more than 20 outcomes, restored and established a series of dialogue and communication mechanisms, and formed a future-oriented ‘San Francisco Vision’. 中美两国如何相处，事关人类前途和地球未来。中美关系年初遭遇严重困难，中方表明严正立场，要求美方改变对华错误认知，回归理性务实对华政策。经过艰苦努力，双方重构沟通与对话，双边关系实现止跌企稳。去年11月，习近平主席应邀同拜登总统在旧金山举行历史性会晤，双方就事关中美关系的战略性、全局性、方向性问题坦诚深入交换意见。习近平主席深刻指出，中美不打交道是不行的，想改变对方是不切实际的，冲突对抗的后果是谁都不能承受的，正确的做法是相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢。拜登总统重申巴厘岛会晤五点承诺，强调美国乐见中国发展富裕，不寻求打压遏制中国发展，不寻求同中国脱钩，不支持“台独”。双方达成20多项成果共识，恢复和建立一系列对话沟通机制，形成了面向未来的“旧金山愿景”.
Second, in the face of unity and division, we firmly choose unity. The greatest concern for the international community today is whether humanity will move towards division and whether we will see a new Cold War unfold. President Xi Jinping has provided the Chinese answer: ‘Strength comes from unity, and confidence is more valuable than gold.’ We resolutely oppose geopolitical small circles and destabilising cliques, consistently work towards building a new type of international relations and strengthening the expansion of a global network of partnerships. 第二，在团结与分裂之间，我们坚定地选择团结。当今国际社会最大的担忧，是人类会不会走向分裂、世界会不会发生新的冷战。习近平主席给出中国答案：“团结就是力量，信心赛过黄金”。我们坚决反对地缘政治的小圈子、破坏稳定的小集团，始终致力于构建新型国际关系，巩固扩大全球伙伴关系网络.
“On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, President Xi Jinping further advocated the Asian values of peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, and outlined a new vision for a peaceful, prosperous, beautiful, friendly, and symbiotic Asian homeland.” 在亲诚惠容理念提出十周年之际，习近平主席进一步倡导和平、合作、包容、融合的亚洲价值观，擘画和平安宁、繁荣美丽、友好共生的亚洲家园新愿景. Wang then positively references China’s ties with Indonesia, Singapore, ASEAN, and Lancang-Mekong cooperation.
He talks about China uniting with the “Global South”, since it “shares the same destiny with the vast number of developing countries”. He briefly references ties with African, Arab and Latin American states being positive.
“Looking at the rejuvenation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the collective rise of developing countries, and the new awakening of the ‘Global South’, we have more confidence in the future of the world and more hope for the unity of mankind. Modernization should not belong only to a few countries and a few people, but to all countries and all people. We firmly believe that as long as countries around the world set aside their differences and work together, all difficulties can be overcome, and the vision of global modernization can be realised.” 放眼亚非拉的复兴、发展中国家的群体性崛起、“全球南方”的新一轮觉醒，我们对世界的未来更有信心，对人类的团结更有希望。现代化不应只属于少数国家、少数人，而是所有国家、全体人民。我们坚信，只要世界各国放下歧见，团结协作，一切困难都会迎刃而解，世界现代化的愿景一定能够实现。
“Third, between openness and closure, we firmly choose openness. The global economic recovery is weak, protectionism is on the rise, and trends of politicisation and securitization are spreading. Calls for building ‘small yards with high walls’, ‘decoupling and breaking chains’, and ‘de-risking’ are emerging one after the other. However, such practices run counter to the trend of the times and not only hinder one’s own development but also seriously weaken global economic dynamism. China believes that the process of globalisation is irreversible and the ocean of the world economy cannot retreat into isolated lakes. Only by expanding opening up can challenges be resolved, and only by strengthening cooperation can sustainable development be achieved.” 第三，在开放与封闭之间，我们坚定地选择开放。世界经济复苏乏力，保护主义倾向抬头，泛政治化、泛安全化思潮蔓延，“小院高墙”、“脱钩断链”、“去风险”等论调层出不穷，但这些做法与时代潮流背道而驰，不仅拖累自身发展，也严重削弱全球动能。中方认为，全球化进程不可逆转，世界经济的大海不可能退回到一个个孤立的湖泊。只有扩大开放才能化解挑战，只有加强合作才能持续发展.
In terms of actions in this context, Wang talked about:
Expos and fairs that China has held
Steps taken to optimise the protection of foreign investment and intellectual property rights
Increase investment in BRI countries
Increasing flights, unilateral visa exemptions for many countries, and simplification of visa processes for certain countries
Fourth, between peace and war, we firmly choose peace. In this, Wang basically reiterates China’s stated positions on:
The Ukraine war: We issued a document ‘China’s Position on the Political Resolution of the Ukrainian Crisis’, dispatched government envoys to extensively engage with relevant parties. We took a clear stand in respecting the sovereignty of all countries and rejecting the Cold War mentality. We have taken active steps to promote the resumption of peace talks and the restoration of peace, and continue to accumulate conditions for cessation of hostilities and peace talks.” 我们发布《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的中国立场》文件，派出政府特使同相关各方广泛接触，在尊重各国主权、摒弃冷战思维上旗帜鲜明，在推动重启和谈、恢复和平上积极作为，不断为止战和谈积累条件.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict: The “top priority”, Wang said, is to ensure a ceasefire, prevent the expansion of the conflict, effectively protect civilians, and strengthen humanitarian relief. He added, “the fundamental way out is to implement the ‘two-state solution’ and promote an early comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.” He further said: “As the rotating chair of the Security Council, we successfully pushed the Security Council to adopt the first resolution since the conflict broke out and issued China's Position Paper on the Resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, which was highly appreciated by the international community.” 作为安理会轮值主席国，我们成功推动安理会通过冲突爆发以来首份决议，发布《中国关于解决巴以冲突的立场文件》，得到国际社会高度赞赏.
On Afghanistan, he said that “we support inclusive governance, moderate governance and peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan.” 我们支持阿富汗包容建政、温和施政、和平重建。He also mentioned China’s mediation in the northern Myanmar conflict; the Korean Peninsula issue and the Iranian nuclear issue, without giving any significant details. On Myanmar, he did point to the goal of “safeguarding border peace and stability.”
Fifth, between multilateralism and unilateralism, we firmly choose multilateralism. Wang warns that unilateralism is on the rise and the world is plagued by deficits of governance and trust. He adds “China adheres to practising true multilateralism, firmly supports the international system with the United Nations at its core, abides by the norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, upholds the concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, actively provides international public goods, and promotes the international community to seek common development, jointly build security and promote the prosperity of civilization.” 中国坚持践行真正的多边主义，坚定支持以联合国为核心的国际体系，遵守以联合国宪章宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系准则，秉持共商共建共享理念，积极提供国际公共产品，推动国际社会共谋发展、共筑安全、共兴文明.
Then he talks about GDI, GSI and GCI. He says:
Under GDI, 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends’, more than 200 cooperation projects have been implemented, a $4 billion Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has been put into operation, and a network of global development promotion centres has been launched.
He says that China “played an active role in promoting the United Nations Climate Change Conference to reach the ‘UAE Consensus’ and helping developing countries enhance capacity building.
On GSI, he says that it has “received support from more than 100 countries and international and regional organisations and has been written into multiple bilateral and multilateral documents.” He talked about the issuing of the GSI concept paper, the hosting of the Xiangshan Forum and the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), and the proposing of the Global AI Governance Initiative.
On GCI, he mentions the establishment of the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations inaugurated in Athens; the hosting of the Liangzhu Forum and the hosting of the Understanding China conference.
Sixth, between righteousness/justice and power, we firmly choose righteousness/justice. The world today is not peaceful, and bullying by strong powers pose serious threats. As a responsible major country, China always adheres to fairness and upholds righteousness/justice. We resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, resolutely resist the monopoly of of a few countries in international affairs, demand increasing the representation and voice of developing countries in the global governance system, support giving priority to solving historical injustices against African countries, urge the lifting of all illegally imposed unilateral sanctions, firmly safeguard the common and legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promote the development of the international order in a more just and rational direction. Not fearing power and defending justice are of course also reflected in efforts to safeguard China's national sovereignty, national dignity and territorial integrity. In the face of external interference and provocations, we have fought resolutely and vigorously, and we have taken legitimate and reasonable countermeasures against all kinds of unreasonable suppression. The international community's recognition of the One-China principle is more consolidated, and the determination of the 1.4 billion Chinese people to advance national reunification is as firm as a rock. No one, and no force, should harbor illusions of challenging the iron will of the Chinese people, nor attempt to harm China's core interests. 第六，在正义与强权之间，我们坚定地选择正义。当今世界并不太平，强权霸凌行径危害深重。中国作为负责任大国，始终坚守正义，主持公道。我们坚决反对霸权主义和强权政治，坚决抵制少数国家垄断国际事务，要求增加发展中国家在全球治理体系中的代表性和发言权，支持优先解决对非洲国家的历史不公，敦促解除所有非法强加的单边制裁，坚定维护发展中国家共同和正当权益，推动国际秩序朝着更加公正合理的方向发展。不畏强权，捍卫正义，当然也体现在维护中国的国家主权、民族尊严和领土完整上。面对外部干涉挑衅，我们进行了坚决有力斗争，针对各种无理打压，我们采取了正当合理反制。国际社会的一个中国格局更加巩固，14亿中华儿女推进国家统一的决心坚如磐石。任何人、任何势力都不要妄想挑战中国人民的钢铁意志，都不要试图损害中国的核心利益。
Towards the end, this is useful to note:
“In the past year, China's diplomacy has never forgotten that we are still the largest developing country in the world, and achieving more comprehensive and balanced development remains the most urgent desire of the people. We have proactively aligned ourselves with the central tasks of the Party and the country, strived to create favourable conditions for domestic development and construction, acted as a bridge for promoting international cooperation, and made unremitting efforts to enhance the well-being of the people.” 过去一年，中国外交始终不忘我们还是最大的发展中国家，实现更充分、更平衡的发展仍然是人民群众最迫切的愿望。我们主动对标党和国家中心工作，致力于为国内发展建设创造有利条件，为促进国际合作牵线搭桥，为增进人民福祉不懈努力.
He then discussed the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference. The key point was:
The important outcome of the meeting was to clarify the main line of diplomatic work of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind…The meeting proposed that we should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. With a more proactive sense of historical responsibility and a more dynamic creative spirit, we will open up a new realm of China's diplomatic theory and practice, shape a new pattern of relations between China and the world, and elevate China’s international influence, appeal, and shaping power to new heights. 会议的重要成果是明确了推动构建人类命运共同体这一外交工作主线，为中国特色大国外交确立了崇高目标，为人类社会发展进步树立起光辉旗帜。会议提出要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平外交思想为指导，以更加积极主动的历史担当、更加富有活力的创造精神，开辟中国外交理论与实践的新境界，塑造我国和世界关系的新格局，把我国国际影响力、感召力、塑造力提升到新高度。
Finally, Wang talked about four key points of action going forward
fulfil our responsibilities as a responsible major country
expand the global network of partnerships
advocate the construction of an equal and orderly multipolar world
adhere to win-win cooperation and actively promote inclusive economic globalisation
Some upcoming events in 2024 that mentions are
The 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC.
FOCAC, the Boao Forum for Asia, CIIE, and the Global Action Forum for Shared Development
He also outlines key goals and methods:
We must base the revitalization and development of the country on our own strength, firmly holding the future and destiny of the Chinese people in our own hands. 要把国家的发展振兴放在自己力量的基点上，把中国人民的前途命运牢牢掌握在自己手中.
Coordinate both the domestic and international situations, firmly safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and strive to create a favourable external environment for building a new development pattern and achieving high-quality development. 统筹国内国际两个大局，坚定维护中国主权、安全、发展利益，为构建新发展格局、实现高质量发展争取有利外部环境。
Take responsibility for major issues concerning the unity, cooperation and legitimate rights of developing countries; wake a clear-cut stand on major issues concerning the future and destiny of mankind and the direction of world development; bear the banner of justice with strong shoulders, anchoring the correct course of historical progress.在关系广大发展中国家团结合作和正当权利的重大问题上挺膺担当，在关乎人类前途命运和世界发展方向的重大问题上旗帜鲜明，铁肩担道义，锚定历史前进正确航向。
Consolidate and expand our global network of partnerships
Implement the consensus reached between China and the US in San Francisco, deepen the partnership with Russia, maintain high-level exchanges and strategic communication between China and the EU, enhance friendship, mutual trust and integration of interests with neighbouring countries, walk hand-in-hand with developing countries and unite for revitalization with BRICS nations, seize the 70th anniversary of the proposal of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to promote the construction of a new type of international relations, implement GCI, GDI and GSI, advocate for the construction of an equal and orderly multipolar world, practise true multilateralism and promote democratisation of international relations, resolutely oppose all forms of unilateralism, protectionism and ‘anti-globalization’ currents, implement the outcomes of the BRI Forum, etc.